Wednesday, January 21, 2009

High Horses

Yesterday was such an exciting day and even though I was at work, I was able to watch the inauguration online and it was very special. On my facebook page I put that I was proud to be in America today, and one of my colleagues told me quite aggressively that she was proud to be in America every day. It really bothered me the way she said it, as though we are all supposed to feel this "American Pride" in the same way that she does. Is it a privilege to be American? Is it a privilege to feel this pride? I think it is a privilege to be on this earth, no matter where you are, and I think that I am entitled to feel prouder on some days and not on others. Does it mean I am anti-American on the days I don't feel proud? Not at all. This whole "American Pride" thing bothers me. I am prepared to take my citizenship test, I am prepared to live in a country that will not acknowledge duel citizenship even though the country I was born in will recognize it. I pay my taxes, I am a good person, I have not committed any crimes, yet I get pulled up for saying that I am proud to be in America on January 20th 2009. It just annoys the hell out of me and I had to get it off my chest, so there, I am done now!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Some people are just out of control. Sure, I'm proud to be an American, but on some days I feel it and on others I don't. Geesh. I think people are way too emotional these days about stuff like that. Ever since Michelle Obama made that comment about being proud of her country for the first time people have been up in arms. I think there were a lot of people who felt the exact same way you did yesterday - over a million of them gathered in Washington. :)

wendy said...

There are so many people around who only feel good about themselves when they are pointing fingers at others. It is a sad state but where we are nonetheless. I understand your sentiment - most of us do. For those who don't, there is far too much explaining necessary. Don't waste your breath because even after you've explained it, they won't get it! :)

Stacy Uncorked said...

You know, I could be snarky and remind your colleague that 'pride goes before a fall...' so if they smugly have 'pride EVERY day', they'll soon trip and fall... ;)

Seriously, though, we're allowed to feel different levels of pride on any given day - yesterday was definitely one of those days where we could say with great enthusiasm that we're proud to be an American. :)

Anonymous said...

Well,I know what you mean. I was a bit prouder on the 20th as well....because my country had just been freed from a dictator....or a Dick and a Tator....whatever...thats how I feel. And since I live in America and we have freedom of speech I can say that.....just like you can say whatever the heck you want too!!! Remind her about the whole freedom of speech thing....I know its hard to remember...maybe she forgot.

SouthernBelle said...

Ugh, what a wanker. I'm definitely on your team.

 
design by suckmylolly.com